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Car heater smells like mildew Videos

Ford A/C Quick Tips : #1 Preventing That Musty Mildew Smell

In this video we go over why this is such an issue right now and what you can do to prevent it in the first place.

User Comments

jasondt02 commented on 22 Feb 2016

I have a 2013 Focus which gets this really bad. When did they institute those coating changes? I have had 2007 and 2009 vehicles (not Ford) which did not get this issue in same conditions. None of my older cars had it ever either.Also, it almost seems like the AC evaporator is on a different flow path (i.e. it is isolated and no flow through it until you turn on AC) so I never thought this trick would work. The reason I think that is because if I leave AC off there is no trace of the smell. Within seconds of turning it on, the smell is there full force with a vengeance and eventually it will fade away ( I imagine condensation washing away mold/bacteria). If I turn off the AC shortly after turning on, the smell fades much quicker. Is air actually always flowing through the ac coil on my car? Logic says no but you say yes in general here. I haven't found a diagram for hvac system yet.

FordTechMakuloco commented on 22 Feb 2016

+jasondt02 I would say around 2010 or 2011 they notified us.

Chris Machica commented on 19 Jan 2016

2002 Explorer automatic A/C. The front driver vents are not cooling all the way when it's set at 60 degrees (coldest setting). You can feel/smell the warm air mixed in. The passenger side is fine. I've changed the blend door motor and recharged the A/C. It seems like there is a vent that is not closing all the way. Do you have any insights?

FordTechMakuloco commented on 19 Jan 2016

+Chris Machica Ok so you have changed both door actuators already? When turning the temp dial slowly for the drivers side does the actuator respond turning the shaft? Did you use Motorcraft actuators?Was it this updated actuator-//www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004A2D4SY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004A2D4SY&linkCode=as2&tag=fordt-20&linkId=SUNM4NTDXW44KGNC

viper commented on 10 Jan 2016

I have a very important question. I have exhaust smell coming in my 06 Explorer. how can I fix this?

FordTechMakuloco commented on 11 Jan 2016

+viper https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVQJhGRq-5E

FordTechMakuloco commented on 11 Jan 2016

+viper If you have a 4.6L then you need to follow these two videos. Links to the latest parts is in the video description-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZpkvRsNwYQ

saleh commented on 22 Jul 2015

This will not work in super hot climate like here in kuwait 50c + you will be cooked if you ever touch max ac Botton ,, thanks alot for your tips great channel :)

FordTechMakuloco commented on 22 Jul 2015

+saleh too funny

Anthony S. commented on 19 Jul 2015

Water alone doesn't cause the smell. Its the dirt/debris that collects on evap coil. One of the main reasons I only use recirc instead of fresh air. I really wish they put cabin filters on these.

FordTechMakuloco commented on 19 Jul 2015

+Anthony S. Correct as stated in the video decaying leaves, pine needles dirt etc it's all mentioned in the video.

tim jones commented on 14 Jul 2015

This A/C tip works for home central systems too - run the fan for a few minuets after you shut off the compressor. Keep up the great work!

tubatuba commented on 07 Aug 2015

+tim jones Actually, in your HVAC systems, fan already works for a further 90 secs to prevent mildew buildup. There's really no need to go to such route, unless you're OCD. Take it from a pro.

I_will_get_you There commented on 14 Jul 2015

Great tip.. If I may, "If you park in the garage, leave windows open" will also help with that.

FordTechMakuloco commented on 14 Jul 2015

A little yes but you need that drying effect going directly through the evap to really do anything

Troy WT commented on 14 Jul 2015

Doesn't Ford have a spray like GM does to kill the bacteria?

Hawaiian F150 commented on 09 Aug 2015

+Troy WT I've used Lysol Disinfectant Spray. The stuff the wife uses in the bathroom. Sprayed it in the cowl area with the fans on high and doors wide open and widows down. I let it do it's job for 15-20 minutes. Seems to work for me. Btw, about twice a year I hear the infamous question "Honey, did you see the bathroom spray?" and my standard reply for twenty years has never waivered, "Why No Dear, you've musta run out."

FordTechMakuloco commented on 14 Jul 2015

Yes but again the new formula doesn't work so well do ford is recommending evap replacement now so you might as well just avoid it in the first place

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